Date: Wed, 09 Aug 2000 03:53:23 GMT
From: Chip Dyp <chipdyp@hotmail.com>
Subject: Judgment Error 16

	The following program contains material suited for a mature audience.  If
you are not over 18 you should be leaving now.  Of course I can't control
you and neither can anyone else really.  This story is entirely false except
for the true parts.  This is the sixteenth segment of this story and I
highly recommend reading the first fifteen segments that can be found in the
Nifty Archive.  And now for our feature presentation.  Viewer Discretion is
advised...

	My web site is located at http://www.geocities.com/chipdyp/index.html

Judgment Error 16
by:  Chip Dyp  (chipdyp@hotmail.com)

	I looked at myself in the mirror as I brushed my hair.  I sighed and
adjusted my part again.  I wanted to look perfect for Ian, but somehow, my
hair just wasn't going to cooperate.

	"Big date tonight, David?"

	I looked in the mirror and smiled at my mom.  "Nah, I'm just going to a
movie with Ian."

	"I see.  So you're doing your hair for the fourth time for him?"

	I blushed.

	"Or are you hoping to meet someone tonight?"

	I smiled.  "Nah.  I just want my hair to look good."  I combed my hair back
and smiled at myself in the mirror.  That did it.  My hair finally looked
good.

	"Well, don't be too late.  Oh, and don't forget, I want you to invite Ian
over for supper soon.  We'd like to meet him."

	"Yeah, yeah, yeah.  I know.  I'll ask him tonight."

	"You look very handsome tonight, David."  My mom pulled a strand of hair
out of my eyes and smiled down at me.  "You boys have fun, and try not to
break too many girl's hearts."

	"We'll be good."

	I watched in the mirror as my mom left the bathroom.  I looked down at the
sink and shook my head.  If only she knew that this was a date, just with a
guy.

					*	*	*	*	*

	I scratched my arm, and looked through my closet.  'What the fuck am I
going to wear?'  I asked myself for about the tenth time.  I couldn't wear
my green shirt.  It wasn't clean.  I grabbed a tight grey sweater and held
it up.  It looked okay. At least it was clean.  Okay, so I had a grey
sweater, now did I wear? Jeans, or khaki's or something else?

	"Why don't you wear your black jeans with that?"  Will asked. He was
sitting on my bed.  He'd come over to help me get ready for the date.

	"You think?  Even with my hair?"

	"Uh huh."

	"You're sure?"

	"Positive.  You look really sexy in it."

	I laughed at Will.  "So I get you all excited when I wear the sweater,
huh?"

	"Not quite," Will replied, rolling his eyes.  "It does make you look
really, really good though."

	"So how was Regina?

	Will shrugged.  "It was all right."

	"How's Laura?"  I asked with a sly grin.

	"She's really good.  She really wants me to come visit her.  She sent me a
Dalhousie info packet and the calendar.  I think that's a hint."

	"So isn't it hard having a long distance relationship?"

	"Kinda.  I mean, I'd really like to have someone here, but I really love
her and she says she really loves me."

	"Then that's all that really matters, isn't it?"

	"Sex would be good."

	"Trust me, love is better than sex."

	"I guess."  Will rolled onto his back and looked up at the ceiling.  "But,
it was soooo good."

	I nodded and popped the button on my jeans.  "Yeah, but you can masturbate.
  That's almost as good as sex."

	"Not quite," Will replied, looking at me.  "Well, it isn't as good when I
do it."

	"It's all in the wrist," I replied with a laugh.  "Seriously though, if
some chick offered a night of sex, would you do it?"

	Will looked at me and smiled.  "Nah, I love Laura too much to fuck around
on her."

	Calmly, I changed into my black jeans and smiled at Will.  "Enjoying the
show?"

	"Pervert," Will replied with a laugh.  "I better get going.  David will be
here soon."

	"I guess so.  Wish me luck."

	"Good luck."  Will rolled off the bed and gave me a hug.  When I shuddered,
he let me go and took a step back.  "Are you all right?"

	"Yeah, I'm--, uh, I'm fine."

	Will bent down and looked into my eyes.  "I'm sorry.  I forgot you don't
like to be touched."

	"It's all right, really."  I replied turning.  My left arm twitched as I
tried to control myself.

	"Are you sure you can do this, Ian?  I mean, I know that I've pushed
but..."

	"I'll be all right," I replied, putting on a fake smile.  I needed to get
it together before David showed up.

	"All right.  I want you to call after you get home.  Unless, of course, you
and David are sharing a moment together in bed."

	"That won't be happening."

	"You never know.  But, have a good night."

	"I'll try.  You and Rob have fun."

	"We will have as much fun as two boys can have without having sex."

						*	*	*	*	*

	"Fuck.  What is taking him so long?" I moaned.  I was already late picking
up Ian.  I didn't need a fucking speeding ticket to slow me down even more.

	I sat in the car, watching the cop as he sat in his cruiser, writing up my
ticket.  Finally, after over five minutes passed, the cop got out of his
cruiser and sauntered up to my window.  He gave me a bullshit speech
explaining why I got my ticket and how I was to pay for it.  When he walked
away from my car, I put my car into gear and drove as fast as legally
possible to Ian's house.  I was now fifteen minutes late.

	I drove into the Reynolds' driveway, and just about leapt out of my car.  I
had a rose for him, but I didn't want to give it to him in front of his
parents.  It was to be a private gesture.  One that Ian and I alone would
share.  Breathing into my hand, I checked my breath and then rang the bell.
I hoped Ian would understand.

	The sound of chimes echoed throughout the Reynolds house.  I tried to calm
myself, but it was no use.  This was my first date, ever.  I hadn't dared to
dream that I'd ever be able to do this.  Being gay, I was sure I'd never
find a boyfriend.  I was sure that I'd have to be content with anonymous sex
in bar when I got older.

	The door suddenly opened, startling me.  Standing in front of me, looking
like a god was Ian.

	"Hi.  I was wondering if you got cold feet or something," Ian said,
grabbing a jacket.

	"I'm sorry.  I was late and I got pulled over by the cops for speeding
and..."

	"It's all right.  It's not that big a deal."  Ian touched my arm gently and
smiled.  He put his jacket on as we walked out to the car together.  I
wanted to open his door for him, but straight guys don't do that for other
guys.

	I slid into my seat and smiled at Ian.  "Boston Pizza all right for
supper?"

	"Sounds really good."

	"Cool."  I slid into the seat and started the car.  As I drove to Boston
Pizza I kept sneaking glances at Ian.  He'd smile at me when he saw me
looking at him, but most of the time he was looking out the window.

	"So, what did you do today?

	"Um, ah, well."  I blushed.  I didn't want Ian to know that I had I spent
the day getting ready for our date.  "I did a little school work."

	"Sounds like fun."

	"Not really."  I looked in the rear view mirror and noticed the rose I had
picked from the garden for Ian.  I reached back and grabbed the rose.  "Um,
this is for you.  Be careful of the thorns."

	Ian blushed.  "Thanks."  I watched, as he smelled the rose.  "I've never
gotten flowers before."

	I blushed.  "You're welcome."  Ian took another deep breath from the rose
and sneezed.  "God bless you."

	"Thanks."  Ian sneezed again.  He wiped some tears from his eyes and
sneezed again.  And again.  And again.

	"Are you all right, Ian?"  I asked slowing down.  He hadn't stopped
sneezing since he had smelled the rose.

	"I don't know.  I think the flower is making me sneeze," Ian replied
between sneezes.

	"Are you allergic to roses?"

	"I don't know.  I don't think so.  I've never gotten a rose from anyone."

	I took the flower back from Ian and put in the backseat.  Ian's sneezes
moved further and further apart, but his eyes were still watering.  I kept
looking over at Ian as I continued driving to Boston Pizza.  "Did you still
want to go out?"

	"Huh, yeah."  Ian sneezed again.  "I'm fine.  I'd still like to go out with
you tonight."

	I smiled at Ian and he smiled back at me.  As I turned into the parking
lot, Ian blew his nose loudly and then smiled at me.  "Are my eyes red?"

	"A little," I said.

	Ian daubed his eyes again and then smiled at me once more.  "I must look
awful."

	"NO!  I mean, no you don't.  You still look beautiful."

	"Thanks."

	I fought the urge to put my hand on Ian's.  I wanted to reassure him that
he looked as beautiful as he always did.  But, I knew that Ian didn't want
to be touched so I sat in my seat, keeping my hands to myself.

							*	*	*	*	*

	I wiped my eyes and looked over at David.  I really loved the flower.  It
was a sweet gesture.

	I smiled at David again, and then just looked at him.  Really looked at
him.  He was so beautiful.  He'd have no problem getting a girl or a guy.
He was funny and smart and sweet.  I sighed and wiped away another tear.

	"Are you sure you still want to do this?"  David asked again as he parked
the car.

	"Positive."

	"I'm sorry about the flower.  I didn't know..."

	"Don't worry," I said, interrupting David.  "I didn't know I was allergic
to roses either."

	David blushed and turned off the car.  "Shall we?"

	I smiled at David and stepped out of the car and into a deep puddle.  I sat
there in shock, the water seeping into my running shoe.  "Fuck!"

	"What's wrong?"  David asked, looking over at me with concern.

	"I stepped in a puddle."

	"You what?"

	"I stepped in a puddle."

	David stared at me in disbelief.  "I didn't see the puddle when I drove in.
  I'm sorry.  Did your foot get wet?"

	"Yeah, it got wet.  Don't worry about it."

	"I'm sorry."

	"Don't worry about it.  It'll dry."

	"I should've parked somewhere else.  I didn't see the puddle when I pulled
in."

	"It's all right, David.  I'll live."  I stepped out of the car, taking care
that I didn't soak my other foot.  David met me at the front of the car and
we walked into the restaurant together.  When we got to the till, I was
surprised to see that the dining room was fairly full.

	"Table for two?"  The waiter asked brusquely, grabbing two menus from the
counter.

	"Uh, yeah," David replied.

	"It'll have to be in the smoking section, unless you want to wait an hour."

	"Smoking will be fine," I replied, looking at David for his approval.

	The waiter walked us over to a table in the middle of the dining room and
left the menus before hurrying off.  David and I sat down at the table, and
looked around the dining room.

	"Certainly busy tonight," I remarked, looking through the menu.

	"Yeah, they are."  David lowered his voice and leaned forward.  "I wonder
if anyone suspects you and I are-- you know."

	"Nah," I replied, not looking up.  "Don't worry."

	I decided on the pasta and put my menu down.  David looked across the table
and smiled.  I was glad he was enjoying the date.

					*	*	*	*	*

	I looked up from my menu at Ian.  He looked so beautiful just sitting
there, looking around.  I wanted to kiss him.  I needed to kiss him.  And I
couldn't.

	"So, have you decided?"

	"Yeah, I'm gonna have the tortellini and alfredo sauce.  What about you?"

	"That sounds really good."

	"It's not bad," Ian replied with a smile.

	I closed my menu and looked across the table at Ian.  We stared at each
other for about a minute, before I finally worked up the courage to ask what
he did all day.

	Ian just shrugged, and said nothing.  I didn't what to say.  Our
conversation had stalled before it had really started.  I was really happy
when the waiter showed up to take our drink order.  Ian ordered a diet coke,
and I ordered an ice tea.  We sat for a couple of seconds before Ian asked
me about my day.

	"I helped my dad clean up the backyard.  He wants to get things ready for
the winter."

	"That's cool.  Your parents rely on you for a lot of help, don't they?"

	"A little," I replied.  "They trust me, I guess.  I don't do all that
much."

	Ian smiled at me and took a sip of his water.  He was about to ask me
something when the waiter came up with our drinks.  He quickly took our
order and walked away.  When we were alone, Ian asked, "So, what are you
looking for in a relationship?"

	"Um, uh..."

	"Don't worry, I'm not looking for specifics, general ideas will do."

	"Like, what do you mean?"

	"Well, I'm looking for someone who will love me for me.  Who'll put up with
my crap.  I wanna have kids after I finish university, so a partner who
wants kids is essential."

	"I love kids.  I always imagine myself being a father someday."

	"So, what do you want?"

	"I want pretty much the same things that you do.  I mean love and
acceptance are two things that I need.  I want to go to University and
follow in my father's footsteps.  I want someone who will understand that
going to Med School is a lot of work.  I want someone who respects himself.
And I want someone who is passionate.  Someone who can make me relax and
curl up in their arms.  Actually, I think I've found that person."

	Ian smiled and blushed.  He looked around conspiratorially, "Really?"

	I nodded.

	Ian sighed.  "You know, I've never had a boyfriend," he whispered.

	"Really?  But..."

	"I've had sex, but there was no love."

	"Oh.  So this is new to you too."

							*	*	*	*	*

	David and I continued making small talk until the water arrived with our
food.  I started eating my supper, smiling at David as I ate.

	"So, what do you think?"  I asked, pointing at his plate with my fork.

	"It's really good."

	David and I kept eating, talking when our mouths weren't full.  The waiter
stopped by the table and asked if everything was all right.  David said
things were good, and I asked for a refill of my diet coke.

	"Certainly, I'll go get the pitcher," The waiter replied, smiling at David.

	I continued eating my supper.  David asked me about Toronto, and I was just
about to tell him when I saw something out of the corner of my eye.  The
waiter had tripped over a kid who had been running around his parent's
table.  As he fell, he inadvertently tossed the whole pitcher of diet coke
all over the table and me.  I gasped, and flinched.

	"Are you all right, Ian?"  David asked as he pushed back from the table to
avoid the rapidly expanding pool of pop.

	I couldn't say a word.  I was just so shocked.  The kid that had tripped
the waiter got his butt spanked by his angry parent's and the waiter was
pulling himself off the floor.

	"I'm so sorry sir," The waiter said from his knees.

	"Are you all right, Thomas?"  An older man asked as he hurried over from
the kitchen.  He didn't wait for the waiter to answer, but instead asked if
I was all right.

	"Yeah, I'm just a little wet."

	"I'm so sorry about this sir.  We'll get you and your friend another order
and clean your table up."

	"Don't bother," I replied.  I stood up and looked over at David.  "Can you
take me home so I can change?"

	"Uh yeah, can I get the check please?"

	"There's no charge for your meal sir."  The flustered man followed us to
the door and grabbed a couple of gift certificates from the till.  "I hope
that you will come back to Boston Pizza," He said, handing us each a
certificate.

	"I'm sure we'll be back.  I just want to get out of these clothes," I
replied.  I walked out the front door and over to David's car.

	David unlocked my door, and I slid into the car.  I pulled the door shut
and smacked my forehead.  I was such an idiot sometimes.

					*	*	*	*	*

	"Do you have something I can sit on?"  Ian asked.  "I don't want to get
your car seat all sticky."

	"Don't worry about it, Ian.  I'm so sorry about supper."

	"Don't be sorry.  It's not your fault.  I just want to get home and
change."

	I nodded and tried not to sound too disappointed.  "I understand.  We can
do the movie some other time."

	"We can still do it tonight," Ian replied.  "I still want to go to the
movie with you."

	"Are you sure?  We can do it another time if you don't want to do it."

	"Yes, I'm sure," Ian snapped.  "Don't you want to go out?"

	"I'm sorry, Ian.  I just..."

	Ian shook his head and took my hand.  "I'm sorry.  I shouldn't have snapped
at you.  You were just being polite.  You're such a sweet guy."

	I blushed and smiled at Ian.  "Well, let's get you home and changed."

	"I'll probably need a shower as well.  The Coke already feels sticky."

	"Will you need some help washing your back?"  I asked with a grin.

	"Nah, I should be able to handle it myself," Ian replied with a wink.

	I pulled into Ian's driveway and followed him into the house.  He said a
quick hi to his parent's and told them what happened before disappearing
into the basement.  I sat with Ian's parents watching the TV with them.  It
was awkward, really.  They didn't know I was dating their son, and they
really didn't know what to say to me.  I was relieved when Ian came
upstairs.  He had changed into a green sweater and a pair of blue jeans.  He
was so beautiful.

					*	*	*	*	*

	David and I made it to the theatre just as the movie was starting.  We
grabbed a couple of seats down near the front and started watching the film.
  As the movie played, I could hear the occasional snicker and feel popcorn
as it bounced of the back of my head.  I looked back, but couldn't see
anyone that I recognized.  It was pissing me off.

	"Can you see who's throwing the popcorn," I whispered to David.  "I can't
see anyone."

	"Me neither," David whispered back.  "Did you want to move, or leave or
something?"

	"Nah, let's just ignore it."

	"All right."

	The movie continued to play and dragged on and on.  I couldn't see why this
movie was so highly praised.  It sucked.  It was like watching bad home
videos.  David made one attempt to put his hand on mine.  It wasn't
successful.  The minute I felt his hand on mine, I flinched.  I pulled my
hand away, leaving David to look and feel like a fool.  He didn't make
another attempt, even though I wanted him to.

	When the movie finally ended and the house lights came up, I stood up and
scanned the back of the theatre.  I didn't recognize anyone, but that was to
be expected, I guess.  David and I walked out the door we came in and out
into the street.  We had just gotten to the car, when I heard someone call
out, "Hey faggot!"

	I turned around and looked back.  Standing about fifteen feet behind David
and I were Keith and a group of his friends.  "What do you want Keith?"

	Keith and his friends walked closer to David and I.  David was glaring at
Keith but saying nothing.  I heard the key turn in the lock, as David opened
his door.  "Come on Ian, let's go."

	"You think you're hot stuff, don't you faggot?"  Keith asked, as he stopped
less than a foot from me.  "Maybe you'd better cool off."  Keith dumped the
cup of pop he was holding on me, drenching me with pop for the second time
that night.

	I looked up at Keith, "Feeling better, asshole?"  I stared at Keith, not
wanting to back down.

	"C'mon Keith, let's go," one of his friends urged, tugging at his arm.

	Keith turned away from me, knowing that he was beat.  I opened the door of
the car and was about to get in when Keith turned around and pushed the door
shut.  "This isn't over, faggot," He hissed, before turning away once more.

	I pulled open the door open once more and slipped into the seat.  David
looked at me, and asked quietly if I was all right.  "I'm fine.  I wanna go
home.  Now."

					*	*	*	*	*

	Ian stared at me for a few seconds before I started the car.  Slowly we
drove back to his house, neither of us saying a word.  When we pulled into
the driveway, I put the car into park and looked at him.  "Ian, I'm sorry I
didn't say anything.  I shouldn't have let Keith do that to you."

	"It's a little late now," Ian whispered, trying to hold back his tears.

	I looked down for a couple seconds and then looked at Ian.  "C'mon, let's
get you inside."

	Ian nodded, and just sat in the car.  I looked over at him, and then slid
out of the car.  As I walked over to his side of the car, Ian opened the
door and stood awkwardly.  I followed him as he walked up to the house.  He
turned and looked at me when we got to the door.  He looked so sad.  Without
thinking, I reached out and wrapped him up tightly in my arms.  And that's
when it happened.  Ian pushed me away and nearly kicked me in the balls.

	"Don't touch me!"  Ian screamed, his back to the door.

	"Ian, take it easy..."

	"No!"  Ian opened the door and dove into the house before I could say
anything else.  He slammed the door shut in my face, leaving me standing
alone on the stoop.

					*	*	*	*	*

	I sat on the floor in front of the door, trying to regain my breath.  My
dad hurried down the stairs, having heard the door slam.  "What's wrong?"
He asked, stopping in front of me.

	"I'm gay," I replied, before I started crying once more.

	My dad lifted me into his arms and took me down to my bedroom.  I clung to
him tightly as he took me down the stairs to my room.  My dad put me down in
my room and pulled the wet clothes from my body.  He helped me into the bed,
and brushed the hair from my eyes.  "Things will be better in the morning,
Ian.  You'll see."

	I closed my eyes and nodded.  Things wouldn't be better in the morning.
I'd still be gay.

Continued.